Waterspout spotted over Mobile Bay

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Waterspouts are a common sight on the Gulf Coast. In fact, several News 5 viewers sent in the following photos and videos of waterspout sightings earlier this evening.

When the conditions are just right, columns of rotating air of different shapes and sizes will appear dancing over the bay and sounds that make up the Gulf Coast region. But not all waterspouts are formed from dangerous thunderstorms.

A tornadic waterspout is essentially a tornado over the water. They are formed from the same process that produces a tornado. A thunderstorm updraft tilts a horizontal column of rotating air into a vertical position. These tornadoes can pose a significant threat to boaters on the water. Once the waterspout moves on land, it is classified as a tornado .

You do not have to have a storm to produce a waterspout. Fair-weather waterspouts are typically spotted on rather benign weather days. These spouts are formed along a zone of convergence, usually a sea breeze or a land breeze. Rising air forms along this area as winds change directions. These waterspouts originate on the water and extend up to the cloud.

Waterspouts can produce damage as they come ashore. When it appears a likely waterspout will come ashore, the National Weather Service Office can issue a tornado warning .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.